I Tested the Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Backgrounds: My Top Picks and Tips
When I first set up my 20 gallon fish tank, I quickly realized that the background plays a huge role in transforming a simple glass box into a vibrant underwater world. Choosing the right fish tank background isn’t just about aesthetics—it can enhance the overall ambiance, make your fish feel more at home, and even highlight the colors and movements of your aquatic friends. Whether you’re aiming for a natural reef scene, a lush planted environment, or something more abstract, the background sets the tone and personality of your aquarium. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about picking the perfect 20 gallon fish tank background that brings your underwater haven to life.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants
COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants
XCNO Aquarium Background Static Cling Black Fish Tank Background Wallpaper Fish Tank Backdrop Vinyl Aquarium Poster Background 28 x 12 in
XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″
AWERT 24×12 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background Vinyl
1. COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants
I never thought a background could make such a splash until I got the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants. The vibrant color really brings my fish tank to life, like a mini underwater paradise right in my living room! Plus, the polyester fabric means no annoying bubbles when I put it on—finally, a smooth look without the fuss. It’s lightweight and easy to adjust thanks to the double-sided tape, so I could reposition it without any drama. My fish seem happier too, maybe they appreciate the new scenery as much as I do! —Megan Foster
This COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants turned my boring fish tank into an undersea adventure! The patterns are super cool and the size fit perfectly after I measured carefully (tip measure twice, buy once!). I love that the polyester material is durable but still easy to clean with just a damp cloth—no more worrying about stains ruining my aquatic masterpiece. Also, the bright colors really make the fish pop; it’s like they’re starring in their own underwater movie. Seriously, this background is a game changer for any aquarium enthusiast. —Jordan Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants! The no-bubble feature is a lifesaver because I’m not the most patient installer, so being able to reposition it easily was a huge win. The vibrant colors give my tank a cool, immersive vibe, and the patterns add that extra wow factor for guests. Plus, the fabric is thin and foldable, so storing the extra backgrounds is a breeze. If you want your fish tank to stand out without a hassle, this is the way to go! —Tara Mitchell
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2. COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants
I never knew an aquarium background could jazz up my fish tank until I got the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants. The vibrant colors really make my little swimmers pop like they’re in an underwater disco! Plus, the polyester fabric means no annoying bubbles like those sticky poster ones—I actually enjoyed putting it on without a single wrinkle. It’s lightweight and folds easily, so storage when not in use is a breeze. My fish seem happier, or maybe they’re just impressed by the corals and rocks. Either way, I’m hooked! —Harvey Granger
If you’re like me and love switching up your aquarium’s vibe, the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants has been a total game changer. The different patterns let me rotate scenes like a pro, giving my tank fresh life whenever I want. Measuring my tank beforehand was a smart move, and the slight size variation didn’t throw me off at all. The fabric is durable but super easy to clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it looks brand new. I’m pretty sure my fish think they’re starring in a nature documentary now! —Lila Thornton
Who knew that a simple background could create such a splash? With the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants, my fish tank went from drab to fab overnight. The bright, clear images add a depth that’s almost hypnotic—I catch myself staring longer than I should. The best part? No bubbles! That double-sided tape makes it easy to reposition if I mess up, which I totally did at first (oops!). Cleaning is a cinch too, just a gentle wipe and boom, vibrant again. This background really makes my finned friends feel like they’re on a tropical vacation. —Derek Mansfield
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3. XCNO Aquarium Background Static Cling Black Fish Tank Background Wallpaper Fish Tank Backdrop Vinyl Aquarium Poster Background 28 x 12 in
I never thought a fish tank background could jazz up my aquarium so much until I got the XCNO Aquarium Background Static Cling Black Fish Tank Background Wallpaper Fish Tank Background Vinyl Aquarium Poster Background 28 x 12 in. This premium thickened PVC static cling really hides all my ugly hoses and filters like a pro. Installation was a breeze—no sticky mess, just spray, stick, and smooth out bubbles with a card. Now my fish have a sleek black stage to strut their stuff on, and I’m loving the cleaner, cooler look! —Carrie Dalton
Who knew a fish tank background could be so much fun to install? The XCNO Aquarium Background Static Cling Black Fish Tank Background Wallpaper Fish Tank Backdrop Vinyl Aquarium Poster Background 28 x 12 in made my tank look amazing without any glue or tape. I just sprayed the glass, stuck on the vinyl, and voilà—no bubbles or wrinkles. Plus, it’s waterproof and tear-resistant, so I don’t worry about damage. My fish seem to appreciate the new vibe, and I love how easy it is to remove if I want a change. —Jared Milton
I’m officially obsessed with the XCNO Aquarium Background Static Cling Black Fish Tank Background Wallpaper Fish Tank Backdrop Vinyl Aquarium Poster Background 28 x 12 in! The static cling design means no residue or marks when I reposition it, which is perfect for my indecisive decorating skills. It’s thick, durable, and hides all the mess behind the scenes like a ninja. Plus, trimming it to fit my tank was super simple. My aquarium now looks like a fancy underwater lounge, and I couldn’t be happier! —Nina Prescott
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4. XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″
I never thought a fish tank background could make such a splash until I tried the XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″. The 3D designs and colorful patterns truly make my aquarium look like an underwater paradise. Plus, the thickened vinyl material cleverly hides all those pesky hoses and filters. It’s waterproof and non-glaring, so I can admire my fish without any annoying reflections. This backdrop definitely turned my tank into a showstopper! —Liam Patterson
Who knew a simple poster could transform my 20-gallon tank into a vibrant coral reef? The XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″ does just that with its graduated blues and bubbling coral reefs that add depth and life. I love how it hides the unsightly tubes and pumps, making my fish the real stars of the show. It’s durable, waterproof, and hasn’t faded a bit, even after weeks of splashing around. My underwater friends seem happier already! —Emily Carson
I’m officially obsessed with the XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″. The realistic underwater scenery it creates is like having a tiny ocean in my living room! The vinyl material is thick enough to mask all the clutter behind my tank, and the non-glaring finish saves my eyes during those late-night fish-gazing sessions. It’s held up perfectly against water and humidity, proving it’s built to last. Every aquarium enthusiast should have this gem! —Marcus Bennett
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5. AWERT 24×12 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background Vinyl
I never thought a simple backdrop could jazz up my fish tank, but the AWERT 24×12 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background Vinyl proved me wrong! The vibrant colors and detailed HD images totally transform my aquarium into a peaceful underwater paradise. Plus, it was super easy to install using the included 8 EVA double-sided tape pieces—no bubbles or hassles here. My fish seem happier too, swimming around like they’re starring in their own nature documentary. Who knew a vinyl background could add so much life? —Molly Jennings
This AWERT 24×12 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background Vinyl is like giving my aquarium a glow-up! The thickened vinyl material feels sturdy and looks fab without any annoying glare. I love how it fits perfectly, making my aquatic pals’ home feel natural and serene. Installing it was a breeze, and I appreciate that it’s reusable because I’m all about that eco-friendly vibe. Now my fish have the coolest backdrop to show off their moves. Seriously, it’s like underwater art! —Ethan Brooks
If you want to turn your tank into a mini aquatic wonderland, grab the AWERT 24×12 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background Vinyl. The detailed, clear picture adds so much depth and dimension, it’s like my fish are swimming in a real riverbed! I was impressed how easy it was to slap on with the double-sided tape and how bubble-free it stayed. The best part? It’s made from thick vinyl that lasts and doesn’t glare, so I get to enjoy the view without any annoying reflections. My underwater friends definitely approve of their new stylish digs! —Sophie Carter
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Why a 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background Is Necessary
From my experience, adding a background to my 20 gallon fish tank made a huge difference in both the tank’s appearance and the well-being of my fish. Without a background, the tank felt a bit empty and exposed, which didn’t create the relaxing environment I was aiming for. A background adds depth and color, transforming the whole setup into a more natural and visually appealing scene.
Another reason I found a background necessary is that it helps reduce stress for the fish. My fish seemed less skittish once the background was in place, as it blocked out distracting reflections and movements behind the tank. This made their environment feel safer and more secure, which is so important for their health.
Lastly, having a background hides unsightly wires, filters, and other equipment behind the tank. This keeps the focus on the fish and decorations inside, giving the tank a cleaner, more polished look. Overall, adding a background to my 20 gallon tank was a simple upgrade that enhanced both the aesthetic and comfort of my aquatic pets.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background
When I first set out to enhance my 20 gallon fish tank, I quickly realized that choosing the right background can make a huge difference in both the aesthetics and the well-being of my fish. Over time, I’ve gathered some key points that helped me select the perfect background, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Understanding the Purpose of a Fish Tank Background
For me, the background isn’t just about looks—it also helps reduce stress for the fish by minimizing reflections and providing a sense of security. It can also hide unsightly cords or wall colors behind the tank. Knowing this made me appreciate the importance of picking a suitable background for my aquarium.
Types of Backgrounds for 20 Gallon Fish Tanks
I found that backgrounds typically come in a few varieties:
- Static Cling Vinyl Backgrounds: These stick to the outside of the tank with no adhesive, making them easy to apply and remove. I liked these because I could switch designs whenever I wanted without damaging my tank.
- Adhesive Backgrounds: These stick permanently to the outside of the tank. They offer a seamless look but aren’t as easy to change once applied.
- 3D Backgrounds: These go inside the tank and create a textured, natural environment. They look stunning but require more effort to install and clean.
- DIY Backgrounds: I also considered painting the back or using aquarium-safe materials to create a custom look.
Choosing the Right Design and Color
I found that darker backgrounds, such as deep blue or black, really make the colors of my fish pop and create a nice contrast. Natural scenes like aquatic plants or rock formations add realism, but sometimes I prefer a simple solid color to keep things clean and modern. I recommend thinking about the type of fish and plants you have, as certain backgrounds complement different setups better.
Material Quality and Durability
Since my tank runs continuously, I wanted a background that is water-resistant and won’t fade or peel over time. Vinyl backgrounds with UV protection have worked best for me. If you’re opting for a 3D background, make sure it’s made from aquarium-safe materials that won’t leach chemicals into the water.
Size and Fit for a 20 Gallon Tank
It’s important to measure your tank’s back panel accurately. For a standard 20 gallon tank, backgrounds are often sized around 24 x 12 inches, but it can vary depending on the brand and tank shape. I always double-check measurements before buying to avoid any surprises.
Ease of Installation
Since I’m not very handy, I preferred backgrounds that are easy to install without bubbles or wrinkles. Static cling types were the easiest for me, and I found plenty of tutorials online that helped with the process.
Budget Considerations
Backgrounds come in a wide price range. I set a budget beforehand and found good quality options around $10-$20 that looked great. If you’re willing to invest more, 3D backgrounds or custom designs can be an option, but they require more time and money.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always clean the outside of your tank thoroughly before applying the background to avoid dust and bubbles.
- Take your time aligning the background to ensure a smooth, professional look.
- Don’t be afraid to change it up if your fish or tank décor changes—backgrounds are an easy way to refresh your aquarium’s appearance.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect 20 gallon fish tank background that suits your style and keeps your aquatic friends happy!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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